The Joy and Freedom of Generous Giving
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound joy, freedom, and blessing that is inherent in the act of giving. As followers of Christ, we are called to a life of generosity that reflects the heart of God. Giving is not merely a financial transaction; it is an act of worship, a demonstration of our stewardship, and a tangible expression of our trust in God's provision.
We began by understanding that everything we have is a gift from God. As stewards, we are entrusted with the care of God's resources, which includes our finances, talents, time, and even the gospel itself. We are Christ's ambassadors, carrying the message of reconciliation to the world. This stewardship extends to our children, whom we nurture with the knowledge that they ultimately belong to the Lord.
The Bible teaches us that God is the source of all our blessings, including the ability to generate wealth. Deuteronomy 8 reminds us not to become proud or forgetful of God's role in our prosperity. It is God who gives us the strength, wisdom, and opportunities to succeed. This truth fosters gratitude and humility, keeping us from the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance.
We delved into the concept of the tithe, a biblical principle that serves as a benchmark for giving. While the New Testament does not mandate a specific percentage, it encourages us to excel in the grace of giving, which often surpasses the tithe. The Macedonian churches, despite their poverty, exemplified this grace by giving generously and beyond their means, fully surrendering themselves to the Lord.
The joy of giving is another aspect we cannot overlook. Money has the potential to enslave us, but giving liberates us from its grip. It is a declaration that money does not own us. Stories like Zacchaeus and the widow's mite illustrate the transformative power of giving. True joy is found not in material possessions but in a life surrendered to God.
Finally, we discussed the eternal perspective of giving. Jesus taught us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. By investing in people and the kingdom of God, we are sending ahead what will last forever. The blessings of giving are not always material; they can manifest in countless ways, enriching our lives and the lives of others.
Key Takeaways:
- Stewardship is a sacred trust, and as stewards of God's resources, we are called to manage them with faithfulness and wisdom. Our primary stewardship is the gospel, and from this flows our responsibility to wisely use all that God has entrusted to us, including our finances. This perspective keeps us grounded in gratitude and purpose. [43:43]
- The principle of the tithe, while rooted in the Old Testament, is a starting point for Christian giving. It is not a legalistic requirement but a guideline that helps us cultivate a disciplined and generous heart. As we grow in our faith, we are encouraged to give not out of obligation but out of a response to God's overwhelming grace. [55:11]
- Joy in giving is a hallmark of a life touched by God's love. When we give, we experience a freedom that cannot be attained through accumulation of wealth. This joy is a testament to the fact that our security and satisfaction are found in God, not in our possessions. [01:10:54]
- Investing in eternity changes our perspective on wealth and possessions. As we give to God's work and to those in need, we are storing up treasures in heaven. This eternal investment strategy shifts our focus from the temporal to the everlasting, impacting lives for generations to come. [01:06:21]
- The act of giving is a spiritual discipline that reflects our trust in God's provision. It is a tangible way to declare that our lives are not ruled by materialism but by faith in a God who provides for our needs. As we give, we open ourselves up to the wonder of God's blessings, both now and in the life to come. [01:09:28]
God bless you as you reflect on these truths and as you live out the joy of giving in your daily walk with the Lord.
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 8:10-18 (ESV)
"When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Take care lest you forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.' You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day."
2. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (ESV)
"We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also."
3. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (ESV)
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
4. Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Observation Questions:
1. In Deuteronomy 8:10-18, what are the Israelites warned against after they have eaten and are satisfied, and their wealth has multiplied?
2. How does Deuteronomy 8:18 instruct the Israelites to view their ability to produce wealth?
3. According to 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, what was the attitude of the Macedonian churches towards giving, despite their own affliction and poverty?
4. What does Matthew 6:25-34 suggest about the relationship between anxiety over material needs and trust in God?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "forget the LORD your God" in the context of prosperity, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 8?
2. How might the understanding that God gives the power to get wealth affect one's attitude towards possessions and success?
3. What can be learned from the Macedonian churches' example of giving that goes beyond their means?
4. How does seeking first the kingdom of God, as instructed in Matthew 6, influence one's perspective on material possessions and daily needs?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent time when you attributed success to your own efforts. How can you shift your perspective to recognize God's provision in that success?
2. Identify a specific way you can practice generosity this week, even if it requires faith beyond your current means.
3. Consider a material possession that you worry about. How can you surrender this worry to God and trust in His provision?
4. What is one daily activity you can replace with time spent in prayer or Bible study to prioritize God’s kingdom in your routine?
5. Think of a person or cause you feel led to support financially. What steps will you take this week to contribute to them in a way that reflects trust in God's provision?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Stewardship as Sacred Trust
Stewardship is not just about managing resources; it's about recognizing that everything one has is a gift from God, meant to be used with faithfulness and wisdom. This includes not only material possessions but also the gospel itself. As stewards, individuals are called to manage these gifts responsibly, reflecting on how they can use their time, talents, and treasures to further God's kingdom. This perspective of stewardship fosters a deep sense of gratitude and purpose, as it is understood that one's primary responsibility is to share the message of reconciliation through Christ. By doing so, believers are reminded that their lives are not their own, but are meant to serve a greater purpose in God's grand design. [43:43]
"But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." - 1 Timothy 6:11-12 ESV
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and resources today to serve God's purposes and demonstrate your trust in His provision?
Day 2: Cultivating a Generous Heart Through Tithing
The principle of the tithe is a biblical concept that serves as a starting point for Christian giving. It is not meant to be a legalistic rule but a guideline to help believers develop a disciplined and generous heart. As one grows in faith, giving should become a joyful response to God's grace rather than an obligation. This practice encourages believers to reflect on their financial priorities and to consider how they can contribute to the work of the church and the needs of others in a way that honors God. Generosity is a reflection of God's character, and through giving, believers can experience the joy and freedom that comes from not being bound by material possessions. [55:11]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV
Reflection: What might a disciplined and joyful practice of giving look like in your life, and how can you take a step towards that this week?
Day 3: Discovering the Joy of Giving
The act of giving is a profound expression of freedom from the love of money. It is a declaration that one's life is not ruled by materialism but by a relationship with God. This joy of giving is a testament to the transformative power of God's love, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Zacchaeus and the widow who gave her mite. When believers give, they experience a unique joy that comes from knowing their security and satisfaction are found in God, not in their possessions. This liberating joy is a hallmark of a life that has been touched and changed by the grace of God. [01:10:54]
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." - 2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV
Reflection: How can you practice giving in a way that brings joy to your heart and reflects your trust in God's provision today?
Day 4: Investing in Eternity with Our Resources
Investing in eternity means shifting one's focus from temporary wealth and possessions to the everlasting impact one can have by contributing to God's work and helping those in need. This eternal perspective encourages believers to store up treasures in heaven, where they are secure and have lasting value. By doing so, individuals are not only enriching their own lives but also impacting the lives of others for generations to come. This investment strategy is not about financial gain but about the spiritual and relational dividends that come from living a life aligned with God's purposes. [01:06:21]
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." - Matthew 6:19-20 ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can invest in the kingdom of God this week, and how does this investment reflect your eternal perspective?
Day 5: Trusting God's Provision Through Giving
Giving is a spiritual discipline that reflects a believer's trust in God's provision. It is a tangible way to demonstrate that one's life is governed by faith rather than by material wealth. As believers give, they open themselves up to the wonder of God's blessings, which can manifest in countless ways, both now and in the life to come. This act of faith is a powerful statement that God is the provider of all needs, and it allows individuals to experience the fullness of His grace and provision in their lives. [01:09:28]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you express your trust in God's provision through giving, and how might this deepen your faith journey?
Quotes
- "Giving is a wonderful mark of a man or woman who's walking with the Lord. It brings about joy. It brings about freedom. It's an act of worship." [01:13:06](Download | )
- "Everything we have comes from the hand of God. That is so important because when we forget that, pride kicks in, and we tend to leave God out of the picture." [49:59](Download | )
- "Godliness with contentment is great gain... for the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." [01:00:13](Download | )
- "Giving flies in the face of hoarding. The evil one wants to control you with money and your greed, and God wants to free you from that." [01:03:16](Download | )
- "Joy comes when we are surrendered to the Lord, and we have surrendered every area of our lives. Giving is also an act of worship." [01:04:04](Download | )
- "God's blessings can take so many forms. He can bless a relationship in your family. He can reduce anxiety in your own life. He can bring about sleep in your own life and healing." [01:08:47](Download | )
- "Keep following me and you're going to understand the joy and the wonder of all of that. You know, there's so many good things about giving, but the snare of the evil one wants us to hoard and control." [01:09:28](Download | )
- "We are stewards of God. God is the author of life. He's the giver of every good and perfect gift. He's the giver of resources of children that we have." [42:21](Download | )
- "We are Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God." [43:43](Download | )
- "See that you also excel in this grace of giving. So there's the passage where Paul tells the church to excel in giving. Learn to do more. Learn to do what God wants us to do." [55:11](Download | )
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